Prisoner program hopes to be a plus

Its sole motive is to spur change, pastor says

Its sole motive is to spur change, pastor says

November 02, 2006|LYN STEGEMILLER Tribune Staff Writer

A program now in 16 Indiana prisons encourages inmates to draw on their faith to negotiate life and become more productive members of society. The Indiana Department of Correction last year launched a faith- and character-based dormitory program called PLUS (Purposeful Living Units Serve), said the Rev. Stephen Hall, director of religious services and community involvement for the IDOC. He spoke at an Oct. 26 program sponsored by Companions on the Journey, a local prisoner re-entry ministry. "These are housing units where prisoners who are serious about working on their character and behavior can live in a supportive community with each other," Hall said. With staff and inmate participation in PLUS completely voluntary, inmates may choose to focus on faith-oriented lessons or those that are character based. Faith is not so much the content as it is the context, Hall explained. "This component will prepare each participant for the challenges and opportunities for re-entry by tapping into the sacred writings, teachings and values of their own religion in community with others seeking a transformational experience," IDOC literature states. Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" or "Spiritual Literacy Program: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life" by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat may be offered. Character programming uses literature such as Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" to help inmates learn and integrate the values of honesty, respect, tolerance, responsibility and compassion. While character programming is available to all inmates, offerings of the PLUS program are more extensive, Hall explained after the meeting. The PLUS program has spread from three to 16 of the state's prison facilities, including the Westville Correctional Facility, Hall said. More than 1,000 inmates participate. No extra rewards, such as nicer dormitories or a reduction in sentence, are offered for participating in PLUS, Hall said. "We want them to be there with the motivation to change as the only motivation." Since no state funding can be put toward the faith-based programming, financing comes through such sources as private donations and prisoner-run fundraisers, Hall said. Volunteers may serve as instructors, small-group facilitators and mentors. Juveniles take part in a 16 week program, while adults attend for 16 months. Two adult groups have finished the program to date. Graduates must complete the time remaining on their sentence, Hall said. Certificates of completion are attached to the inmates' files. The PLUS program is just one tool the IDOC is using to try to curb the 37.7 percent return rate of released prisoners, Hall said. Developing job skills, fighting chemical dependency, acknowledging victim impact, and anger management are among the other issues addressed by IDOC programming, he said. PLUS is too new to know whether it will successfully slow recidivism. However, there are indications of achieving more immediate results such as fewer conduct reports being written up, grievances being filed and sick calls being made, Hall said. Restitution through community service also is taking place, such as cleaning up the dormitory, making blankets for the homeless and donating to charities. Hall said he would like to see community groups in every county help ex-prisoners assimilate into society. PLUS materials could be reviewed to reinforce what is taught in the prisons.